Learn how to make a Starbucks Matcha Green Tea Latte at home with simple ingredients. Enjoy it hot or iced, creamy, and budget-friendly.
Introduction
If you’ve ever tried a matcha latte at Starbucks, you know why it’s a fan favorite. Its creamy texture, gentle sweetness, and signature earthy matcha flavor make it irresistible. The great news is you don’t have to visit a coffee shop every time you crave one. Making a Starbucks matcha green tea latte at home lets you control the sweetness, choose your favorite milk, and select the matcha grade that suits you best. Whether you prefer a hot matcha latte on a chilly morning or an iced matcha latte to refresh on a summer day, preparing it yourself is simple, fun, and cost-effective.
Why Make a Starbucks Copycat Matcha Latte at Home?
There’s no denying that Starbucks makes a tasty latte, but making your own Starbucks copycat matcha latte comes with real perks. First, it’s cost-effective — one tin of quality matcha powder can make dozens of drinks for the price of just a few store-bought lattes. Second, you control what goes into your cup. You can cut back on sugar, add extra vanilla syrup for a sweeter profile, or swap in oat milk for a creamier, dairy-free version. And finally, once you know
you’ll never feel limited by the menu again
Matcha Latte Ingredients — What You Need for the Copycat Recipe
To truly master how to make a Starbucks matcha green tea latte, it starts with the right ingredients. Starbucks uses a pre-sweetened matcha blend, but at home you can achieve the same flavor with pure matcha powder and a touch of sweetener. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity / Notes |
|---|---|
| Matcha powder | 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons (culinary grade works, ceremonial grade is smoother) |
| Sweetener | 2 to 3 teaspoons of simple syrup or 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup (vanilla syrup matcha) |
| Milk | 10 to 12 ounces of your choice (whole milk for richness, oat milk for best oat milk matcha latte) |
| Water | 2 to 3 tablespoons of warm water to dissolve the powder |
| Ice | Optional, for the iced matcha latte recipe |
For a cozy hot matcha latte recipe, leave out the ice and steam the milk before mixing. With these simple matcha latte ingredients, you’re ready to create both hot and iced versions at home.
Equipment Checklist for a Perfect Matcha Latte
To nail the texture and flavor when learning how to make a Starbucks matcha green tea latte, a few simple tools make all the difference:
- A small whisk or bamboo chasen for dissolving matcha.
- A fine mesh sieve to prevent clumps.
- A handheld milk frother or steam wand for creamy foam.
- A tall glass and a shaker (essential for the iced matcha latte recipe).
These basics ensure your latte tastes just like Starbucks — smooth, frothy, and balanced.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Starbucks Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte
Learning how to make a Starbucks matcha green tea latte iced version at home is simpler than you might think. The goal is to replicate the smooth, slightly sweet flavor that Starbucks achieves with their pre-mixed powder, while also giving yourself the flexibility to adjust sweetness and milk type. Follow this iced matcha latte recipe step by step:
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sift the matcha: Measure 1–1½ teaspoons of matcha powder and sift through a fine mesh sieve into a small bowl to prevent clumps. |
| 2 | Dissolve in warm water: Add 2–3 tablespoons of warm (not boiling) water. Whisk vigorously with a bamboo whisk or frother until fully dissolved and a thin layer of foam forms. |
| 3 | Add sweetener: Mix in 2–3 teaspoons of simple syrup or 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup. Adjust sweetness as desired. |
| 4 | Fill your glass with ice: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes to chill the drink and keep layers visually appealing. |
| 5 | Pour in milk: Slowly pour 10–12 ounces of milk over the ice and matcha mixture. Whole milk for richness or oat milk for a dairy-free option. |
| 6 | Stir and enjoy: Gently mix until matcha, milk, and syrup are fully combined. Optionally top with cold foam for a Starbucks copycat experience. |
| Result | A delicious, smooth iced Starbucks-style matcha latte ready to enjoy. |
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Starbucks Hot Matcha Green Tea Latte
On cooler days, nothing beats the cozy comfort of a warm latte. Once you know how to make a Starbucks matcha green tea latte hot version, you can enjoy the same café-quality drink at home without waiting in line. Here’s the hot matcha latte recipe Starbucks fans love:
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sift and whisk the matcha: Measure 1 teaspoon of matcha powder and sift into a mug or small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of warm (160–170°F) water. Whisk until completely smooth with no clumps. |
| 2 | Sweeten the base: Stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar or 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup. Adjust sweetness to taste. |
| 3 | Froth your milk: Heat ¾ to 1 cup of milk (dairy or plant-based). Froth using a steam wand, handheld frother, or by shaking in a jar until creamy and foamy. Oat milk or 2% milk gives a texture closest to Starbucks. |
| 4 | Combine and serve: Pour hot milk into the mug with whisked matcha. Stir gently and spoon foam on top. |
| Result | A warm, comforting Starbucks-style hot matcha latte with creamy, balanced flavor. |
Tips, Tricks & Flavor Variations
Once you’ve learned how to make a Starbucks matcha green tea latte, you can start experimenting with small tweaks to make the drink your own. Here are some expert tips and flavor variations:
- Choose the right matcha: For daily lattes, culinary grade matcha works well, but ceremonial grade delivers a smoother, less bitter flavor.
- Sweetener swaps: Classic vanilla syrup matcha is closest to Starbucks, but you can also use honey, maple syrup, or agave for a natural twist.
- Milk options: An oat milk matcha latte is one of the best plant-based alternatives for a creamy, balanced taste. Almond or soy milk are lighter options.
- Boost the flavor: Add a pump of chai syrup for a spiced profile, or try caramel, hazelnut, or mocha syrup for café-style variations.
- Upgrade the texture: For an authentic Starbucks copycat matcha latte, top your drink with cold foam, whipped cream, or even strawberry cold foam for a fun twist.
These small adjustments let you enjoy a new take on the classic latte every time.
Nutrition Facts: Starbucks vs Homemade Matcha Latte
One of the best parts of learning how to make a Starbucks matcha green tea latte at home is that you control the nutrition. A grande Starbucks matcha latte contains roughly 240 calories and over 30 grams of sugar, largely because their blend uses sweetened matcha powder. While delicious, it can add up quickly if you drink it often.
At home, you can recreate a Starbucks copycat matcha latte with fewer calories by adjusting sweetness. Using pure matcha powder and adding your own vanilla syrup or honey lets you cut sugar in half. Swapping whole milk for almond or oat milk can also lower calories while keeping the drink creamy.
Homemade lattes give you the same rich taste with healthier balance, making them a smarter everyday choice without sacrificing flavor.
Even once you’ve mastered how to make a Starbucks matcha green tea latte, a few common mistakes can affect the taste or texture:
- Clumps: Always sift matcha before whisking, or use a frother to fully dissolve the powder.
- Bitter flavor: Avoid boiling water — keep it around 160–170°F for the best balance.
- Watery latte: Use the right ratio of matcha to milk, and don’t skimp on frothing for creaminess.
- Flat foam: Froth milk long enough to create microfoam, or try oat milk for better structure.
With these quick fixes, your homemade latte will taste consistently smooth.
FAQs About How to Make a Starbucks Matcha Green Tea Latte
Q1: What matcha does Starbucks use?
Starbucks uses a sweetened green tea matcha blend. At home, you can replicate the flavor by mixing pure matcha powder with sugar or vanilla syrup for that signature Starbucks copycat matcha latte.
Q2: Can I use oat milk or almond milk instead of dairy?
Absolutely. An oat milk matcha latte comes closest to Starbucks’ creamy texture. Almond, soy, or coconut milk also work, though the flavor will vary slightly.
Q3: How much caffeine is in a Starbucks matcha latte?
A grande (16 oz) has about 80 mg of caffeine. When you learn how to make a Starbucks matcha green tea latte at home, caffeine depends on how much matcha powder you use.
Q4: Can I make it without sugar?
Yes. Skip the sweetened powder and use pure matcha with unsweetened milk. Add honey, agave, or stevia if you still want a little sweetness.
Q5: Is culinary-grade matcha good enough for this recipe?
Yes. Culinary matcha is affordable and works perfectly for lattes since the milk and syrup balance bitterness. Ceremonial grade, while pricier, gives a smoother, more vibrant flavor.
Conclusion
Mastering how to make a Starbucks matcha green tea latte at home is simple, affordable, and rewarding. With just a few ingredients and small tweaks, you can enjoy hot or iced versions anytime — tailored exactly to your taste.
